- January 15, 2026
- By Alumni Association Staff
- Illustrations via iStock
- Photos courtesy of UMD Alumni Association
Letter From the Senior Executive Director
THIS PAST JULY marked my first full year as the leader of your Alumni Association, and what an incredible year it was. I’m grateful for the many Terps I met at events across the country—each one eager to stay connected, share their pride and celebrate how Maryland continues to move Forward.
UMD has been transformational for all of us. Maybe it inspired you to take a new career path. Maybe a fellow student, professor or class changed your perspective. Or maybe you—like me!—met your Terp love on campus. As you hear about all of the grand challenges the university is stepping up to address, I encourage you to think about your own challenges and triumphs, and how being a Terp set the stage for who you are today.
I want to make sure that you feel included in UMD’s Forward momentum. In the coming months we’ll be bringing events to you, so you can hear directly about emerging topics and how they affect you.
In the fall, we hosted a virtual town hall with President Darryll J. Pines to help alums know their voices are heard and valued.
And more than 150 alums attended an event in Arlington, Va., for those managing career transitions to share the important message that you are never alone—the Terp community is behind you. Our Terrapins Connect platform also continues to thrive, engaging nearly 22,000 alums and students in volunteer mentorship opportunities.
Across the country, our regional alumni networks host game watches, crab feasts, trivia nights and more, bringing a piece of Maryland wherever life takes you.
To our 24,000+ members, thank you—you’re the heart of Terp pride. Membership fuels student and alumni programming, helping connect Terps across generations.
When you give back through mentorship, membership or support of a program that’s close to your heart, you’re helping ensure that future Terps have life-changing experiences, too.
Go Terps!
Jessica K. Roberts ’02
Senior Executive Director
University of Maryland Alumni Association
4 Ways to Stay Connected as Maryland Moves Forward
Alums Play Crucial Role in Accelerating UMD’s Momentum
There’s never been a better time to be a Terp. UMD is ranking higher than ever, innovating at the forefront of global issues and making a difference in communities worldwide. A large part of that success comes from a network of more than 431,000 alums—Terps connected by pride and the power of a Maryland education. As an alum, here’s how you can help the university soar as it begins a $2.5 billion fundraising effort, Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless.
1. VOLUNTEER WITH TERPS IN YOUR COMMUNITY. Join a regional alumni network to plan events and bring alums together in your area. Or find an affinity network to engage with Terps who share your interests and affiliations. You can also volunteer with your company or at service events across the nation during Do Good Service Month in April. alumni.umd.edu/volunteer
Michael-Holmgren, second from left, with fellow Los Angeles Terps Alumni Network board members at the Coffee With Terps event on Sept. 27.
I have learned so much through every position I’ve held on the board, from creating memorable events and working with different types of people from all walks of life, to meeting and building relationships with alums of all ages.”
—Aurelia Michael-Holmgren ’08
2. GIVE BACK TO SUPPORT ALL TERPS. Your alma mater helped shape who you are today. Pay it forward to touch the lives of current and future generations of Terps. Become a member of your Alumni Association to fuel programs for alums and student scholarships. Shop for Terp gear at the Alumni Store, where every purchase gives back. Show your support on Giving Day, March 4, for a campus unit that means the most to you. Every gift counts! alumni.umd.edu
Blackman with Testudo at the Maryland Day breakfast for Alumni Association members on April 25.
From having a daughter attend Maryland, to conducting mock interviews with business students, mentoring and co-leading seminars, to serving on the Smith Alumni Board, my connection [with Maryland] has only grown. How could I not be a lifetime member—with my name on the wall?”
—Richard Blackman ’73
3. ATTEND AN EVENT. Your Alumni Association hosts events for every Terp: social gatherings and game watches, lifelong-learning opportunities, networking gatherings, events headlined by celebrity Terp speakers and so much more. You can also travel the world with Terps, reunite with friends at a tailgate or shop Terp-owned at a Maryland-made market. We can’t wait to see you! alumni.umd.edu/events
SAVE THE DATE
MARYLAND MINDS: SHAPING THE FUTURE WITH AI
The Clarice // Feb. 17
Learn how the university is solidifying its role as a global leader in emerging technologies at this TED Talk-style event. Join us to celebrate the pioneering work of our faculty, staff and students and highlight how UMD is making real progress for real people.
4. JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA. The best way to stay informed about all things Maryland is to follow us on social media for event announcements, giveaways, Terp nostalgia and more. You can inform us, too! We love seeing your comments, from photos with the iconic Jim Henson statue to your favorite places to eat in College Park. Terps together, Stay Fearless forever.
FIND US ON:
Instagram: @maryland_alumni
Facebook: @TerpAlumni
LinkedIn: University of Maryland Alumni Association
Issue
Winter 2026Types
Post-Grad